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Following Miss Universe Philippines' removal of a candidate, Imelda Schweighart asks ‘Where do we go from here?’
Miss Universe Philippines Kalibo Aklan 2026 representative Imelda Schweighart posted a cryptic message on Instagram following the news that the pageant organization removed a delegate.
"Where do we go from here?" She captioned her Instagram Reel on Sunday, March 29.
Narrating the video, Imelda said she spent every morning of the last your years choosing "a version of myself that didn't even exist yet."
"Every rep, every adjustment, every hour spent refining the walk and the mind, it was all funneled into one door. And now, that door is closed, just like that," she said.
“The stage I built my life around for the last thousand days is gone,” the beauty queen added.
In an earlier Reel, Imelda recognized her supporters saying, “To everyone sending strength and standing by the truth: I see you. Your support is the wind beneath my wings.”
Both videos come after MUPH's announcement of removing one delegate from the competition following a review of concerns regarding her participation.
The organization did not disclose the identity of the candidate involved, nor did it specify what behavior or incident led to the removal but said "the delegate was given both verbal and written guidance to help address the situation."
"Despite these efforts, certain behaviors continued in ways that were not aligned with the standards we aim to uphold,” MUPH said in a statement.
Last month, the organization introduced 51 candidates for the upcoming competition. The roster now stands at 50 following the announcement.
The 2026 coronation night will take place on May 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The winner will be crowned by Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and Sparkle artist Ahtisa Manalo.
The new queen will then represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2026, which will take place in November at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
